Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is well aware of Westboro Baptist Church, their website, and their activities.

Neither the ERLC or the SBC supports their behavior or attitudes of the members of this church, which is NOT affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Only the smallest minority of Christians hold the beliefs they support.

As evidence of the differences between this “church” and the Southern Baptist Convention, the group at Westboro has regularly picketed the SBC’s offices and its annual meetings.

Regarding the use of “Baptist” in their name, Westboro is not a Southern Baptist church. Their church is an autonomous body; the Southern Baptist Convention has no connection or authority over them. Southern Baptists are as aggrieved as other Americans at their actions.

ERLC staff members deeply regret the hurt inflicted on families by the actions of this group and are hopeful that true Christ-followers will take opportunities to minister and show communities that the actions of the Westboro organization are not at all indicative of an accurate rendering of the Bible’s teachings.

This is a common question. We believe it is appropriate to be pro-life and also to support capital punishment because the Bible clearly takes this position. In Gen. 9:6 God tells Noah that anyone who sheds human blood shall be required to pay in human blood. This requirement was set before Israel came into existence. So one cannot say that it applies only to Israel. The requirement was given to the people who provided the beginning for all human societies.

In Romans 13:4 Paul makes it clear that the requirement of capital punishment is still an appropriate response by civil government for punishing evil. The connection to capital punishment comes from Paul’s use of the word “sword” in Rom. 13:4. Every time he uses this word in Romans, it means “death.” See Romans 8:35-36 as an example.

Perhaps the best way to sum up the biblical teaching is: All people are conceived with the right to life, but some forfeit that right by their actions.

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (SBC) is a vocal proponent of human rights and freedom of religious expression for those in spiritual bondage around the world in our country’s foreign policy endeavors.

Again, we are grateful for your passionate interest in the plight of our brothers and sisters who are suffering in silence. I hope this information is helpful.